Preparing for New Levels
A few years ago I went to visit some friends who lived in an apartment. It was a very small place, but they were happy and content. They believed that God had something bigger in store for them. When I walked in the living room, it was filled with furniture that was much too large for the room. I mean you could hardly walk around. The couches were crammed up against each other with tables on the end. It was all crammed in there. And of course, I didn't say anything about it, but it looked odd to me. A few minutes later they said, "Joel, you'll have to excuse our living room. We bought this furniture for our new house." I didn't know they were moving and I said, "Really, where are you going?" They said, "We don't know just yet. We just know we're not staying here. This is only temporary." They were preparing for new levels.
Well, they stayed in that apartment several more years. Whenever I would see them in passing I'd say, "Hey, have you moved yet?" "Not yet," they'd reply. "When are you moving?" I'd ask. Their answer was always "soon." I never heard them sounding discouraged. I never saw them down and defeated. They stayed hopeful, expectant.
One day, the wife got a huge break. She got a promotion at work and things just fell into place. Do you know where that furniture is now? It's not in their new home. They gave it to another young couple who is believing for their dream home. See, when you put actions behind your faith, it gets God's attention and opens the door for Him to bless you so that you can be a blessing to other people.
As 2009 comes to a close, I encourage you to examine the dreams and desires that God has placed in your heart. What are you doing to prepare for them to come to pass? Are you sowing seed so you can reap a bountiful harvest in the New Year? Don't just let these last couple of days go by. Take time to seek the Lord and allow Him to direct your steps. Submit your ways to Him and prepare for new levels—new levels of His peace, new levels of His provision, new levels of joy, and new levels of freedom in every area of your life.
Victoria and I love you and pray for you every day. We wish you a very Happy New Year and may you receive all the blessings that He has in store for you in 2010.
Well, they stayed in that apartment several more years. Whenever I would see them in passing I'd say, "Hey, have you moved yet?" "Not yet," they'd reply. "When are you moving?" I'd ask. Their answer was always "soon." I never heard them sounding discouraged. I never saw them down and defeated. They stayed hopeful, expectant.
One day, the wife got a huge break. She got a promotion at work and things just fell into place. Do you know where that furniture is now? It's not in their new home. They gave it to another young couple who is believing for their dream home. See, when you put actions behind your faith, it gets God's attention and opens the door for Him to bless you so that you can be a blessing to other people.
As 2009 comes to a close, I encourage you to examine the dreams and desires that God has placed in your heart. What are you doing to prepare for them to come to pass? Are you sowing seed so you can reap a bountiful harvest in the New Year? Don't just let these last couple of days go by. Take time to seek the Lord and allow Him to direct your steps. Submit your ways to Him and prepare for new levels—new levels of His peace, new levels of His provision, new levels of joy, and new levels of freedom in every area of your life.
Victoria and I love you and pray for you every day. We wish you a very Happy New Year and may you receive all the blessings that He has in store for you in 2010.